Member Monday: Sydney Holland

Two-time Member Monday nominee, Sydney Holland, shares even more about herself than before! From raving about her fields of study to praising PRSSA, it is easy to understand why Sydney was chosen to be featured.

Tell us about yourself.
I am a senior public relations major with a sociology minor from Mundelein, IL. I serve as the development manager this year, which I’m very excited about. Outside of school I love food, nutrition and spending time with friends. 

Why did you join PRSSA?
I joined PRSSA to explore what PR was all about. I wanted real experience and a taste of what I’d be doing post-graduation. I also wanted to be surrounded by as many people that are passionate about PR that I can learn from, as well as make friends!

What aspects of PRSSA have benefitted you the most?
Definitely the agency tours! Being able to visit PR agencies and get a first hand look at the work culture and view a typical work day in the industry was extremely beneficial for me to figure out what field of PR I wanted to get into. Not to mention all the advice we acquire from employees. 

In your previous Member Monday interview, you mentioned being a part of three clubs and working at the fitness center; how do you balance your school work and having a social life?
I’m really just trying to focus on my capstones, PRSSA, working and enjoying my last year. During my senior year, I’m trying to immerse myself as much as I can into PRSSA and my schoolwork to prepare myself the best I can for graduating in May and hopefully landing a job as soon as possible. 

What is your favorite quote, or motto that you live by?
“Ultimately, we become what we envision.” Our thoughts and the way we think shape our life, so it better be positive!

Describe your dream job.
My dream job would be to work at an agency in downtown Chicago on accounts that I’m passionate about, which would hopefully involve food!
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​What drew you to agency PR?
The fact that agency PR allows you to work on 

multiple accounts and always have a variety in terms of your projects is very attractive to me. I think that aspect calls for a lot of creativity, teamwork and something new every day, which I find very enticing. 
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​What is a word of advice to the freshman and sophomore PR majors who are just starting off in the major?
Get involved as much as you can in PRSSA and other COM related Registered Student Organizations. It’s not only attractive to employers but building a network of future colleagues who have the same interests as you is awesome in terms of learning and personal gain, in general. ""

Since you are a senior, what is on your "bucket list" to do during senior year and before graduating?
I’m trying to have as much fun as I can. I also want to leave my mark on PRSSA and have a memorable and eventful year with lots of member involvement. On a different note, playing one on one with a sloth at the zoo is also on my bucket list. I love sloths! 

Written by Maddie Rose